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(Wolfville,
NS) - Acadia University today announced its intent
to become a tobacco-free campus as of July 1, 2006.
“Acadia’s decision to
make its campus tobacco-free further enhances our commitment to
providing a healthy environment for students, employees and
community members who use our facilities,” said Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb,
President and Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University. “We also had to
consider the future welfare of our students. They are at a critical
age when smoking becomes an established behaviour. Studies tell us
that these young adults are influenced the most by their immediate
environment, so this is the time in their lives when education
programs and smoke-free environments can have the greatest impact.”
This morning’s
announcement launched a campaign that will ensure adequate time for
campus input on the Acadia tobacco-free policy in time for July 1,
2006.
The Honourable Rodney
J. MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion, participated in today’s
announcement. “Nova Scotia Health Promotion congratulates Acadia
University for taking this action to protect its students and staff
from the deadly effects of tobacco smoke. We are proud to support
the Tobacco-Free Acadia campaign and hope other universities and
institutions follow their lead in promoting a healthy lifestyle."
To demonstrate some of
the realities of tobacco use, the long-haired stars of the
anti-smoking television commercials, sponsored by Nova Scotia Health
Promotion, were on hand to enlighten students through their
satirical look at smoking. The award winning commercials, which were
part of the province’s larger Tobacco Control Strategy, have helped
in reducing the rates of smoking in Nova Scotia. Over the last four
years smoking rates have declined from 30 percent in 2000 to 20
percent in 2004.
Acadia University, in
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada’s
premier undergraduate institutions. With its nationally and
internationally recognized research initiatives, small class sizes
and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers
students an experience that includes academic achievement combined
with personal growth and development. For more information about
Acadia, visit our website at
www.acadiau.ca
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